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I guess my first question is why is she remodeling an apartment? Do you mean a condo? If it's an apartment, someone else owns it and shes only paying rent. Why remodel someone else's property for them? So I'll assume you mean it's a condo and she owns it.
First piece of advice is do one property at a time. Dont try to do the condo and the house at the same time. The condo sounds like the smaller of the two jobs so start there. if you are happy with the work that is done at the condo you can use the same guys for the house. If you are not happy, it was the smaller, less expensive mistake.
Second piece of advice is to step in and help your mom. I've seen too many seniors taken advantage of and completely ripped off by scumbags.
Next piece of advice, find a general contractor that you trust. It may take time but the search is worth it. it provides you with a single point person to manage all the different sub contrators, the schedule, the budget, and any permitting that's required. You've said already that your home remodeling knowledge is basically non existent so I just dont see you having the ability to find, vet, hire, and manage a tile crew, a framing crew, a drywall crew, an electrician, a roofing crew, plumber, etc. If you're having concerns about finding a single reputable GC, how are you going to fine a half dozen different trades and coordinate them?
Next piece, and many people dont realize this, but the best sub contractors are tied in with GCs already. They arent sitting around waiting for a guy like you to ring them up for a small job. You'll find the good ones are too booked up to talk to you and you'll be left with the sketchy ones who work out of a broke ass van and need 100% payment up front. The way you get access to the best subs is through a good GC.
Last piece: To find a good GC you need to do your research. Online reviews can be helpful. Or, cruise the neighborhood looking for houses being remodeled or built. Talk to the owners. Ask for referrals. Sites like Angie's List can be helpful. When you start talking to GCs, treat it like a job interview because that's exactly what it is. Have a list of questions for them that you come prepared with. How long have then been in business, how long have they been working with each of their subs, how deep is their bench of subs (do they have 1 drywall guy they use or 5), do they pull permits for their work (if they try to talk you out of permits, run), how do they pay their subs, etc. Ask for references. Both former clients who are happy with the work that was done and current subs who are happy that the GC takes good care of them and pays them on time. Finally, ask to tour a few active job sites.
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